As widely reported, large numbers of all UK applicants missed out on tickets for the 2012 London Olympics. As a result, many people will be sitting at home watching the Olympics on TV instead. But according to sport lettings portal, ‘Accommodation for the Games’(www.accommodationforthegames.com ),home owners could just as easily escape from the couch, rent out their property to an overseas Olympic visitor and enjoy the monumental sporting event from the comfort of some far flung, desirable holiday destination, all at the expense of a temporary tenant.
Embraced by homeowners, landlords and estate agents alike for its capacity to help UK sporting events visitors to solve their accommodation woes, ‘Accommodation for the Games’ showcases accommodation of all varieties. To help visitors decide where to stay, the site describes many neighbourhoods spread throughout the boroughs of London and the orbital areas that are hosting Olympic venues. Tailored for tourists, additional information on the site includes hotels, airport transfers, train times, restaurants, theatre booking and other services.
For potential advertisers, the site provides comprehensive online guides on renting out their property. It also makes available the services of expert third parties who can “hold the property owners’ hand” throughout the whole rental process, if required.
Rex Batey, managing director of ‘Accommodation for the Games’, says: “With a recent announcement* that the Games will provide a £750m boost over the Olympic period, we’d like to see some of the monies go to ordinary people who missed out on tickets. It is estimated that a million people will descend on London for the Olympics. In the face of a pervading hotel room shortage, what better place to stay than in someone’s comfy and well-appointed home? Since we launched in 2010, hundreds of homeowners have registered on the site and created listings for their properties. Agents are also using our portal to help clients make the most of the Olympic opportunity.”
He adds: “Our best advice is to price a property realistically and fairly. Most visitors are ‘normal people’ supporting friends, relatives or their national team, and they will be seeking good-value accommodation in their droves.”
